Fort Hood

With the recent shooting at Fort Hood this past week, we pass our prayers, thoughts and concerns to the Fallen Heroes, their families and the wounded troops and civilians. I could only hope that our country can start to realize that we (America) are at war! It should not be looked at as “the military is at war not us”. We have people right here at home that still want to destroy your country’s way of life and this shooting by a cowardly home-based radical is proof. If he was so set against being deployed and having to fight his own religion then why not just refuse to go or go AWOL. His total disrespect for our brave service people that will defend our country and its freedom with his act of terroristic killings should be wake-up to everyone. I can only hope that we all can become more alert in our everyday actions and prevent tragic events such as this. This blog is for items and events about military personnel, veteran events, honoring the Fallen and alerting the general public to the sacrifices made by our troops, their families and the “Wounded Warriors”. There are many worthwhile organizations and programs that work every day to help our troops, our veterans and the wounded back from combat. Please take the time to investigate what you can do to help those that sacrifice their time and some their lives to keep you safe and free.

About William Koch Jr.

William Koch Jr. is an East Brunswick resident with 32 years as a member of the IBEW 456-Electricians Union. He is the father of American hero Cpl. Steven R. Koch of the 82nd Airborne Infantry, who was lost in action on March 3, 2008, in Afghanistan. "Together with wife Christine, daughter Lynne and son William, we struggle through the loss of Cpl. Koch every day. The greatest gift is to give your life for others. Cpl. Koch felt so deeply about the protection of those who could not protect themselves that he inspired soldiers in combat as well as his persona for friendship, lending a helping hand, his ever-present smile and most of all, 'Honor Above All.' He is greatly missed by all of us, and our hearts go out to others that have lost members in their service to America." Lynne was lost on 5-6-2010 to affects of PSTD from losing her brother Cpl Steven Koch. She also becomes a Casualty of War.....................

I live in Texas and this is all over the news here. It’s horrible, it hit so close to home having an ex-husband and a child in the military. I think my son and my ex are safe and secure on their respective bases here in the States… makes me think twice how quickly they can be hurt or worse. I am a Blue Star Mother and I am very proud of that. I hope to always stay a BLUE Star Mother.

God Bless to the soldiers and their families at Fort Hood and across the US.

About this Blog

A blog dedicated to the soldiers, families and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

About the Authors

Anthony Gonzales Anthony graduated from Middlesex County College in May 2009 with a major in liberal arts/journalism. He has worked for The Home News Tribune for almost three years, starting as a circulation representative for the newspaper.

Lyon Henry is a 15-year veteran of the US Army and the NJ Army National Guard. He has served two consecutive tours in South Korea and a tour in Iraq. Among his military service awards are: the Army Good Conduct Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, and a Meritorious Service Medal. Lyon holds a BA in Information Technology and Informatics from Rutgers University and an MBA in Technology Management from New Jersey Institute of Technology. Lyon currently resides in Piscataway. William Koch Jr. is an East Brunswick resident with 32 years as a member of the IBEW 456-Electricians Union. He is the father of American hero Cpl. Steven R. Koch of the 82nd Airborne Infantry, who was lost in action on March 3, 2008, in Afghanistan. "Together with wife Christine, daughter Lynne and son William, we struggle through the loss of Cpl. Koch every day. Read More About William Koch Jr.

Christine Koch is an East Brunswick resident who has worked in the nursing field for 30 years. She is the Gold Star Mother of Cpl. Steven R. Koch, killed in action in the Sabari District of Afghanistan on March 3, 2008. "Without being a statistic, a mom, too, is a casualty of war, heard in her strangled weeping and guttural pleas to God to ease the pain of losing a child.Read More About Christine Koch

Staff Sgt. Rakene L. Lee is a drill instructor in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from recruit training at Parris Island in 1998, and has trained in Thailand, Korea and Iwo Jima and has deployed to Iraq more than once. He is currently with his third battalion. His personal awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal (third award).